Article 10

Free will

“The condition of man since the fall of Adam is such that he cannot turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength and good works for faith and for calling upon the name of the Lord. Hence we have no power to do good works which are pleasing and acceptable to God, unless the grace of God through Christ goes before us so that we may have a good will, and continue to work with us after we are given that good will.”

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People arriving in the West after living in the Third World are often overwhelmed by the choice we have in every area of life. The supermarkets sell products in a vast array of different brands, sizes and strengths. There is a greater range of activities to fill our leisure time than ever before. It appears that we can live and think as we like.

Most people assume this is also true of our actions and beliefs, but the 39 Articles remind us of a remarkable truth: “The condition of man since the fall of Adam is such that he cannot turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength and good works for faith and for calling upon the name of the Lord.” In other words, we cannot simply decide to live in a way that will please God – or even believe in him – by ourselves. Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) However, the Bible is clear that it would not simply be nice if people had faith in Christ, it is essential. The writer of the book of Hebrews said, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Is it really impossible for us to believe and act in a way that pleases God? In our own strength it is. Jesus said, “no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” (John 6:44) We are totally dependent on God to act mercifully in our lives and give us the faith we need to please him. As the Article continues: “We have no power to do good works which are pleasing and acceptable to God, unless the grace of God through Christ goes before us.”

Therefore, if God gives us a desire to repent and trust in Christ, we should respond without delay. An ability to turn from our sins and a desire to put our hope in Jesus is not naturally ours, it is a gift from God. Please remember this invitation from the book of Hebrews: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:7, 15 and 4:7)